The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Running Out of Funds
As many as 60 million Americans are facing the possibility of paying more for their internet bills due to the impending collapse of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP, established in 2021 as part of a bipartisan infrastructure Bill, provided low-income Americans with up to $30 per month to help cover the costs of internet services.
Efforts to Extend ACP Funding
The ACP initially started with $14 billion in funding, but it is now on track to run out by the end of this month. Despite calls from some lawmakers to allocate more funds to the ACP, efforts to do so have stalled in Congress. President Joe Biden and other advocates argue that continued funding for the ACP is crucial for ensuring that low-income Americans can access essential services such as telemedicine and online education.
Concerns About Government Spending and Debt
However, conservative Republicans have raised concerns about the amount of money being spent on programs like the ACP, arguing that it is contributing to the country’s growing debt. The Commissioner of the FCC has stated that without intervention from Congress, the ACP will expire at the end of May, leaving millions of Americans with higher internet bills or without access to connectivity.
The History of Student Protests in the United States
The unrest happening on college and university campuses across the United States has a long history. From the 1968 student protests at New York’s Columbia University to the violent clashes against the Vietnam War, student activism has been a driving force for change.
Comparing Past Protests to the Present
The recent student protests may look alarming, with reports of expulsions and arrests, but they have largely been peaceful compared to the events of the past. In 1968, students at Columbia University took over buildings and even briefly held the dean hostage. The scale of violence between then and now is vastly different, with the current demonstrations tending to remain peaceful for the most part.
The Impact of Violence on Protests
In the Vietnam era, violence between students and police was common on college campuses. The clashes often resulted in increased sympathy for the protesters, larger demonstrations, and a louder voice for more extreme activists. However, this escalation of violence ultimately led to tragic events, such as the deadly violence at Kent State in May 1970.
The Future of Student Activism
As student protests continue to evolve, it is crucial to reflect on the lessons learned from the past. While peaceful demonstrations can effectively bring about change, resorting to violence can have serious consequences. The challenge for current student activists is to find a balance between making their voices heard and ensuring their message is not overshadowed by unnecessary conflict.
Protests Through the Years
On the campus of Kent State University, Ohio National Guard troops opened fire on student protesters, killing four of them and injuring several others days later. During racial injustice protests at Jackson, State College in Mississippi Police fired at a dormitory, killing two students and injuring a dozen others. Possibly a closer comparison to what’s going on now took place in the 1980s. When students across America protested against apartheid in South Africa, they called on schools to divest themselves from companies and groups that supported the apartheid regime in South Africa. Much like students are now calling on colleges to divest themselves from Israeli-linked companies.
Youthful Idealism
Another dynamic that hasn’t changed across these eras of protest is the energy and idealism of the students. They are passionate about protesting against injustice, real or perceived, and are willing to take a stand for what they believe is right.
Bacterial Textiles
Is there a sustainable alternative for fashion, maybe fabrics with zero animal or plastic? Is that even possible? Well, actually, it is. A London-based biotech company, Modern Synthesis, has developed a way to create low-impact textiles using bacteria. Yes, you heard that right, bacteria. However, to create raw materials using this process at a mass scale like the fashion industry would need will be costly.
Bacteria Biotechnology
Just how much is the question? Take a look strong lightweight and versatile, but this material isnt, like anything you know, is been created with bacteria biotechnology, startup. Modern synthesis is learning from and collaborating with living organisms to make brand new low impact.
The Benefits of Textiles Bacteria
Textiles bacteria are really amazing. Sometimes they can be harmful, but most of the time theyre really beneficial. We use bacteria to make sourdough bread, cheese yogurt. We can work with bacteria to make even more exciting new products, the aim to create sustainable alternatives to traditional fabrics and help curb emissions and pollution associated with the fashion industry.
The Role of Cellulose
Key to the company’s process is cellulose, a type of fiber, with a higher strength to weight ratio, its known as Nature’s building block. It makes up materials like cotton, wood, and bamboo. It all starts here with a bacteria invisible to the human eye, it’s called Kus and it’s isolated from kombucha fermented tea. We feed that with sugars and then it produces nanoos, which is a special fine, strong form of cellulose, it’s eight times stronger than steel. On a fiber level. We can then process it manipulate it of the Nano structure.
Green Chemistry and Functionality
We use green chemistries to process the material. To add additional functionalities, whether that be waterproofness or just aesthetic properties like color and different patterning, we then form the material together with a natural textile, and that allows us to customize the kind of strength and flexibility in new ways.
Sustainability in the Fashion Industry
The final products are 100 animal and plastic free, but to create products on a mass scale like the fashion industry is used to is costly in the long run. I’m confident that we can create materials that can sit at the same price points as those that we use today and to use existing equipment from the textile industry and the food industry so that we don’t have to build everything from scratch.
Modern Synthesis and Next Generation Materials
Modern Synthesis is part of a growing number of companies in the Next Generation material space producing new textiles from raw materials such as mushroom, melium, algae, or bacteria. For the first time, they were able to offer the aesthetic and the performance of the materials that we use every day, but without the plastic and without the use of animals.
The Rise of Internet Costs
In recent years, the cost of internet services has been steadily increasing, making it less affordable for many users. The collapse of affordable internet has become a concerning issue for individuals, families, and businesses alike. As the demand for online connectivity continues to grow, the availability of affordable internet options has dwindled.
The Impact on Society
The collapse of affordable internet has far-reaching consequences for society. It limits access to information, education, and opportunities for socio-economic advancement. Those who cannot afford high-speed internet are at a disadvantage in a world that is increasingly reliant on digital technology for communication, work, and social interactions.
Government Initiatives
Some governments have recognized the importance of affordable internet access and have implemented initiatives to address the issue. Subsidized internet programs, community networks, and public-private partnerships are some of the strategies being used to provide affordable internet to underserved populations. However, more needs to be done to ensure that internet access remains accessible to all.
The Future of Internet Affordability
As we look to the future, it is crucial that measures are taken to prevent the further collapse of affordable internet. Innovation, competition, and regulation are key factors that can help maintain reasonable internet prices and ensure that connectivity remains accessible to everyone. It is essential for policymakers, businesses, and consumers to work together to create a sustainable and inclusive digital future.